eye flu infection - #21786
I am really worried about this thing that’s going on with my eye. For the past few days, I've had this red, itchy feeling and my eyes are kinda watery, but also like, there's this crust forming. My friend told me it sounds like an eye flu infection or something like that. I can't remember if I read somewhere that eye flu infection is contagious or not, and it seems to be getting worse, ugh. I tried over-the-counter eyedrops but they don't seem to help. I saw my doctor, and they said it could just be allergies or a minor infection, but the way it’s spreading to my other eye has got me thinking it might be a real eye flu infection. Has anyone else had an eye flu infection and how long did it take to clear up? What kind of treatments worked for you? I’m starting to freak out because I really don’t want to pass this on to anyone, especially with the holidays coming up! Should I be keeping my distance from people, like, what’s the protocol with eye flu infection? Do I need to do anything special to prevent spreading it? Thanks for any advice, this is driving me nuts!
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Doctors' responses
What you’re describing does sound like conjunctivitis, which is sometimes referred to as “eye flu” though that’s not technically accurate. It’s often caused by a viral or bacterial infection, or even allergies. The contagious kind of conjunctivitis is commonly viral or bacterial. These infections are indeed contagious, usually spread through direct contact with infected secretions or contaminated surfaces. To reduce the risk of transmission, avoid touching your eyes, wash your hands frequently, and don’t share personal items like towels or makeup. Viral conjunctivitis, often linked to cold viruses, can improve on its own in about 1-2 weeks. For bacterial conjunctivitis, doctors usually prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointments that can speed up healing, often within a few days to a week. Since you’ve experienced a spread to the other eye and no relief from over-the-counter drops, it seems prudent to follow up with your healthcare provider. Treatment specifics might differ based on the exact cause, and they might suggest swabs to identify the pathogen, if needed. During recovery, practice good hygiene, avoid touching your face, and use clean towels. Avoid close contact with others until symptoms improve to prevent spreading it, especially with upcoming events. If you wear contact lenses, switch to glasses until your eyes are back to normal. Monitor your condition for any worsening symptoms like eye pain or changes in vision, which require immediate medical attention.
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